1. health and fitness
2. disease

Managing
Flares
and Other IBD Symptoms
Information Resource Center
888.MY.GUT.PAIN
(888.694.8872)
www.ccfa.org
What’s Inside?
What is a flare?
3
What can cause a flare?
5
Flares from ulcerative colitis
11
Flares from Crohn’s disease
17
Flare management
23
Special populations
(pregnancy and children)
25
Questions for your doctor
29
Take care to prevent flares
33
Managing symptom discomfort
37
Coping with flares
39
Flare tracker
43
About CCFA
Inside back cover
Flares affect a wide range
of people.
Having a chronic illness often
means living with these
nagging concerns lurking just
under the surface of everyday
thoughts:
Will my condition flare up?
What can I do when it does?
How will I cope?
These concerns are very common for people with
ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Even with
medical treatment, a person with one of these
inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is likely to
experience periods of time when symptoms
become active (a flare).
If you’re reading this brochure, you or a loved one
probably has either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s
disease. You likely already have general knowledge about the disease. You know the symptoms
and treatment options and understand the
importance of maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and taking your medication as prescribed. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of
America (CCFA) has several brochures to help
you understand what is known about IBD.
For the vast majority of patients, IBD is a lifelong
illness. While you can and should go about your
normal daily life, you will need to make certain
adjustments to cope with a disease that can flare
up at times. This brochure will help you to
manage your life with a disease that can at times
be painful, uncomfortable, inconvenient, or
embarrassing.
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What is a flare?
A flare is the reappearance of
the characteristic symptoms
of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. This generally
means diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgent bowel movements,
constipation, abdominal
cramps and pain, fever,
fatigue, or weight loss. Your
specific symptoms will depend on whether you have
ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s
disease and, in many cases,
on the location of the disease
in the gastrointestinal tract.
People with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
go through periods when the disease is quiet
and few or no symptoms are present, alternating
with times when it is active and causing symptoms. Medical treatment for IBD is aimed at
bringing the conditions into a state of remission
(no active disease or symptoms) and keeping it
that way for as long as possible.
Medications control the inflammation, which
relieves diarrhea and pain. Medications must
be continued to maintain the remission. There
is always the possibility, though, that the
disease may flare up at times.
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What can cause
a flare?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may flare up for no
apparent reason. However,
some possible triggers for
recurrence of symptoms have
been identified.
These include:
Stress
Lapses in taking medications/incorrect
dosing of medications
Recent use of certain medications, such as
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) or antibiotics
Eating certain foods
Smoking
Stress or strong emotions
It is important to understand that physical and
emotional stress does not cause IBD. However,
stressful situations or strong emotions may lead
to flare-ups of symptoms for some people with
IBD. This doesn’t mean that everyone who has
stress will experience a flare, or even that people
who are prone to having stress-related flares will
always have this reaction to stress. Even some
people without IBD may see a link between stress
and their digestive tracts. But for those people
5
with IBD who know that stress can be problematic,
it is helpful to be prepared for this reaction and
to learn some stress-management techniques.
Stress is impossible to avoid in life. Changing
jobs, getting married, moving, a death in the
family, raising children, or caring for elderly
parents can all cause stress, as can having a
chronic illness like IBD. Even minor annoyances
of life can be stressful. You can’t completely
eliminate stress-producing events, but it may be
possible to change your reaction to them in
ways that don’t wreak havoc on your digestive
tract. (See page 35 for some stress reduction
techniques.)
Missed medications and
incorrect dosing
People with IBD must take medications on a regular basis, even during times when the disease
is in remission. This can be difficult to maintain
over the long term, especially in the absence of
active symptoms. While it is not uncommon to
miss some medication doses, lapses in taking
medications can lead to flares. If symptoms flare
up after a period of not taking your prescribed
medications, it is very important to be open with
your physician about this, and discuss your
medication choices and options.
Flares can also occur when medications are not
taken exactly as prescribed. For example, skipping doses, doubling up on doses, or weaning
off of medications such as steroids with or without your doctor’s approval may contribute to a
flare. If you believe your medication regimen
needs to change, always speak with your doctor
or other health care provider first.
Your health care provider will be monitoring your
medication use to make sure you are receiving
the best treatment to relieve symptoms. Therefore, it is extremely important to communicate to
your health care provider any medication-related
information. This includes disclosing all medications, including supplements, that you may be
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taking, possible side effects, flares resulting
from lapses in taking medications, as well as
worsening of symptoms even when medications
are taken as directed.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory and
Antibiotic Drugs
Some commonly used medications may lead to
flares. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include aspirin,
naproxen (Aleve®), and ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®,
Nuprin®), are possible triggers for flares. For
mild pain or to reduce a fever, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) rather than an NSAID.
Antibiotics are good for treating bacterial infections, but they also alter the bacteria that normally live in the intestine. Changes in the
balance of intestinal bacteria may cause diarrhea (antibiotic-associated diarrhea) or may lead
to excessive growth of specific bacteria that can
cause inflammation. For example, the bacteria
Clostridium difficile, also called “C. diff,” is the
cause of an inflammatory condition of the colon
called pseudomembranous colitis.
If you are taking an antibiotic and experience a
flare of your IBD symptoms, it is important to inform your health care provider. You should also
inform your provider if you have recently taken
antibiotics, even if for non-gastrointestinal infections.
Before considering any medications, either prescription or over-the-counter, talk to your health
care provider. Also, be sure your other doctors
and other health care providers consult your
gastroenterologist before prescribing medications.
In addition to possibly increasing the chance for
flares, some medications may cause problems
when taken along with your IBD medications.
Foods
IBD is not caused by eating any particular food.
However, diet certainly can impact your symptoms. Once the disease has developed, you’ll
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need to pay close attention to your diet and
overall nutrition. Abdominal pain and fever can
cause loss of appetite and weight loss. Diarrhea
and rectal bleeding can rob the body of fluids,
nutrients, and electrolytes. A well-balanced diet
is necessary to prevent nutritional deficiency. In
addition, some foods or beverages may irritate
the digestive tract and cause symptoms.
No one type of food or beverage aggravates
symptoms for all people with Crohn’s disease or
ulcerative colitis. Not everyone will experience
diet-related flares, and not all flares are linked
to diet. Therefore, each person with IBD will
need to determine which foods tend to provoke
symptoms and flare-ups. Keeping a food diary
may help you to track how your diet relates to
your symptoms. For a copy of a food journal,
log on to the CCFA Community Web site,
www.ccfacommunity.org, or call our Information
Resource Center at 888.MY.GUT.PAIN
(888 694-8872).
In general, it is best to avoid greasy and fried
foods, which can cause gas and diarrhea. Some
people find that foods high in fiber, such as
fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains,
can be problematic, especially when the intestines are inflamed. Rather than eliminating
these necessary foods from your diet, it may be
helpful to eat only thoroughly-cooked fruits and
vegetables, and avoid eating them raw. You may
also want to steer clear of foods that are likely to
cause gas, such as beans, cabbage, broccoli,
caffeine, and carbonated drinks. You’ll need to
keep track of these and other problematic foods.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also be
helpful in preventing flares caused by food.
Alcohol intake, whether moderate or in excess,
can be associated with an IBD flare. Alcohol
abstinence may not be required, but moderation
is advised.
If a particular food causes problems, talk to your
health care provider or dietitian before permanently eliminating it from your diet. You may
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need to add a vitamin or mineral supplement to
replace necessary nutrients. A registered dietitian can help you to plan a diet that works for
you. If you do not have a trusted resource (such
as a physician) for a dietitian recommendation,
the Information Resource Center at [email protected]
can assist you with resources to help you locate
a dietitian in your area.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes not only raises the risk for
developing Crohn’s disease, it also can trigger
flares. People with Crohn’s disease who smoke
tend to have more recurrences of their disease,
more frequent need for surgery, and a greater
need for immune-system-suppressing medications. Crohn’s disease patients who have quit
smoking report having fewer flare-ups and reduced
need for medications to control the disease.
Ulcerative colitis tends to occur more in nonsmokers and ex-smokers. In people with ulcerative colitis, smoking cessation can cause a flare
of the disease because of this relationship. It is
unclear why smoking may be protective. Smoking carries many health risks, including lung
cancer and heart disease. Any protective effect
against flares of ulcerative colitis is outweighed
by other health risks.
Complications of IBD
A flare may be an uncomfortable but expected
part of having IBD. But if a flare develops at an
unusual time or brings symptoms that are not
typical for you, it may also be a sign that a complication has developed. A change in medication
or other treatment may be necessary.
Possible complications of ulcerative colitis include severe dehydration and anemia. People
with Crohn’s disease may develop a stricture,
fistula, fissure, or abscess. These complications
are discussed in greater detail in “Flares from
Ulcerative Colitis” on page 11 and “Flares from
Crohn’s Disease” on page 17.
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Flares from ulcerative
colitis
Both ulcerative colitis and
Crohn’s disease cause chronic
inflammation in the digestive
tract, but there are differences
between these two diseases
that impact disease flare-ups.
Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part
of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis is
limited to the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. The job of the colon is to absorb water and
salts from the waste material of digestion (stool).
This turns a loose, liquid stool into a formed
stool that passes into the rectum. From there it
is expelled in a bowel movement.
For people with ulcerative colitis, chronic inflammation in the outermost layer of the lining of the
colon interferes with the ability to adequately
absorb water, resulting in loose stools (diarrhea).
Inflammation can also cause small sores (ulcers)
to form in the colon and rectum. These can bleed,
resulting in bloody stools. Blood loss can eventually lead to anemia if it proceeds unchecked.
The ulcers can also produce pus, which can be
passed in stool. Inflammation also causes the
colon to empty frequently and/or urgently.
When inflammation is suppressed with medication
the colon is better able to perform its job properly.
Some people have remissions that last months or
years. During times of remission, you may expe-
11
rience no symptoms at all, or you may have occasional diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and fever.
Symptom flare-ups result when inflammation
becomes active again. The most common symptoms of a flare from ulcerative colitis are diarrhea, urgent need to have a bowel movement
(many times per day), and bloody stools. Blood
loss may lead to anemia, and anemia can make
you feel extremely tired.
As noted above, ulcerative colitis can flare up at
times for no apparent reason. Or, there may be
specific triggers, such as stress, foods, medications, and the others described under “What can
cause a flare?” (see page five). It is also possible
that the symptoms suggest your medication is no
longer working or that a complication has developed. Treatment may need to be changed—a new
medication, or possibly surgery, may be required.
Medication Changes for Colitis Flares
Having flares may be a sign that a change in
medication is needed. Several types of medications are available to control the inflammation of
ulcerative colitis and maintain a state of remission. Drug therapy can also be used to address
symptoms of a flare. The classes of medications
used to treat ulcerative colitis include 5-aminosalicylic (5-ASA) drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents. Other supportive
therapies may also be recommended by your
doctor. (Please call our Information Resource
Center at 888.MY.GUT.PAIN for in-depth literature
about medications.)
In general, the first drug therapy to be prescribed
for ulcerative colitis will be one of the 5-ASA
drugs, such as sulfasalazine, mesalamine,
olsalazine, or balsalazide. 5-ASA drugs are available in several forms, including pills, suppositories, and enemas. Many of these drugs are
indicated for achieving and maintaining disease
remission. The topical forms of the 5-ASA drugs
(that is, suppositories and enemas) may be
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prescribed if maintenance therapy does not
adequately address flare symptoms.
If inflammation becomes active and is not controlled with the 5-ASA drugs, your doctor will
likely prescribe a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids
include prednisone, methylprednisone, and
hydrocortisone. While corticosteroids are very
effective at controlling inflammation, they can
cause unwanted side effects if taken for long periods of time. Long-term effects of corticosteroids
taken in moderate to high doses include weight
gain, thinning of the bones, hypertension, diabetes, and increased risk of infection. Therefore,
these drugs are often given for just a short period of time to bring the disease back into remission. This can be followed by a switch to a 5-ASA
drug to maintain the remission.
If 5-ASA drugs and corticosteroids fail to quiet
the inflammation and prevent flares, an immunosuppressant drug may be prescribed. Because
the underlying cause of the inflammation in ulcerative colitis relates to a faulty response by
the body’s immune system, this treatment strategy takes aim at inflammation by suppressing
the immune system. Immunosuppressant drugs
include azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine.
For moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, biologic therapy may be tried. Biologic therapies
are the newest class of drugs to be used in ulcerative colitis. Biologics are genetically-engineered
medications made from living organisms and
their products, such as proteins, genes, and
antibodies. Biologics interfere with the body’s
inflammatory response by targeting specific
molecular players in the process such as
cytokines—specialized proteins that play a role
in increasing or decreasing inflammation. Unlike
corticosteroids, which tend to suppress the
entire immune system, biologic agents act
selectively to suppress particular enzymes and
proteins that have already been proven defective,
deficient, or excessive in people with IBD.
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Whatever your treatment regimen, notify your
doctor if you notice that symptoms are becoming worse despite consistent adherence to your
medication regimen. You may need a stronger
dose of the drug, a more frequent dosing schedule, or a different medication.
If all of these types of drugs have been tried and
symptoms persist, surgery to remove the colon
may be recommended. The surgery cures ulcerative colitis for most patients. About 25 to 40 percent of people with ulcerative colitis will eventually
have surgery, either because medical treatment
is no longer working or to treat a complication of
the disease.
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
Certain conditions warrant immediate medical
attention. These include heavy, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding with clots of blood in your
stool, and constant pain and a high fever. In
some cases, severe diarrhea or bleeding can
cause dehydration. Hospitalization may be necessary to stop the diarrhea and replenish the
body with blood, fluids, and minerals. It may be
helpful to speak with your doctor to determine
how to look for and become aware of these conditions that may require immediate medical care.
Another possible complication of ulcerative colitis is a perforated bowel. Chronic inflammation
of the intestine may weaken the wall to such an
extent that a hole develops. This is potentially
life-threatening because the contents of the intestine can spill into the abdomen and cause a
serious infection called “peritonitis.”
The most serious complication of ulcerative colitis is toxic megacolon. Severe inflammation can
lead to rapid dilation (widening) of the colon.
The colon becomes paralyzed, preventing the
body from emptying the bowel. In severe cases,
the colon can rupture.
Symptoms of toxic megacolon include pain, distention (swelling) of the abdomen, fever, rapid
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heart rate, constipation, and dehydration. This
potentially life-threatening complication requires
immediate medical treatment. If toxic megacolon is suspected based on symptoms and a
physical examination, the diagnosis will be confirmed with blood tests and an abdominal X-ray.
Medical intervention is aimed at controlling the
inflammation and restoring fluid loss. In many
cases, surgery to remove the colon (called a
colectomy) will be required. Luckily, this condition is becoming more rare with improved management over the years.
In addition to the previously mentioned complications, ulcerative colitis patients are at an increased risk of colon cancer. For those with
disease involving their entire colon, the risk for
colon cancer starts to increase eight to ten years
after disease onset. For those with disease restricted to the left colon, the risk begins to increase 15 years after disease onset. This risk
applies to people with both active and inactive
IBD. There does not appear to be an increased
risk for those patients whose disease is confined to only the rectum.
A symptom like rectal bleeding, which is an early
sign of colon cancer in the general population,
is difficult to assess in people with IBD for whom
this may indicate a flare-up rather than cancer.
Because of the increased colon cancer risk,
colonoscopies are generally recommended
every one to two years beginning eight to ten
years after diagnosis of IBD. How often a
colonoscopy is recommended for each patient
depends on the amount of colon affected and
the length of time since disease onset.
Not all potential complications of ulcerative colitis are confined to the gastrointestinal tract. For
reasons that are not entirely understood, some
people develop symptoms that are related to the
disease, but affect other parts of the body. Possible complications outside the large intestine
include: arthritis (causing painful and stiff
joints), osteoporosis, skin rash, anemia, and
kidney stones.
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Flares from Crohn’s
disease
Like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s
disease is marked by chronic
inflammation. While ulcerative
colitis is limited to the colon
and rectum, Crohn’s disease
may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including
the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, or esophagus.
Chronic inflammation impairs the ability of the
affected organs to function. It can cause the
walls of digestive organs to thicken or form scar
tissue, which can lead to blockages. Inflammation in the small intestine can interfere with the
absorption of nutrients into the blood stream.
Ulcers (sores) can form in the inside wall of the
intestines or other organs. These ulcers can extend through the entire thickness of the bowel
wall and form a tunnel to another part of the
intestine, between the intestine and another
organ, such as the bladder or vagina, or to the
skin surface. These are called fistulas.
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Common symptoms of Crohn’s disease, as well
as symptoms of flare-ups, include abdominal
pain, diarrhea, urgent need to defecate, loss of
appetite, fever, and weight loss. These will vary
depending on the location of the disease. The
following are five types of Crohn’s disease:
Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease affects the
stomach and first part of the small intestine
(duodenum). Symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea. Vomiting may
indicate that narrowed segments of the bowel
are obstructed.
Jejunoileitis produces patchy areas of inflammation in the upper half of the small intestine
(jejunum). Symptoms include abdominal pain,
ranging from mild to intense, and cramps following meals, as well as diarrhea. Fistulas
may also form.
Ileitis affects the ileum only. Symptoms are
the same as for ileocolitis (see below).
Complications may include an inflammatory
abscess in the right lower quadrant of the
abdomen, or fistulas.
Ileocolitis (the most common form of Crohn’s
disease) affects the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) and colon. Symptoms include
diarrhea and cramping or pain in the right
lower part or middle of the abdomen. It often
is accompanied by significant weight loss.
Crohn’s colitis affects the colon only. Symptoms
include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and disease
around the anus (abscess, fistulas, or ulcers).
Skin lesions and joint pains are more common
in this form of Crohn’s than in others.
Medical treatment for Crohn’s disease can bring
about remission, which can last for months to
years. But the disease will flare up at times from
the resurgence of inflammation, or from one of
the triggers discussed under “What can Cause a
Flare?” (see page five).
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A disease flare-up may also occur from a complication, such as a fissure, fistula, stricture,
or abscess.
A fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus,
which may cause pain and bleeding, especially during bowel movements. These often
occur as a result of having frequent bowel
movements.
Fistulas occur most commonly around the
anal area. If this occurs, you may notice
drainage of mucus or stool from the anus or
from an area adjacent to the anus. Fistulas
can become infected.
A stricture is a narrowing of a section of intestine caused by scarring. This can lead to an
intestinal blockage. Nausea and vomiting or
constipation may be a sign of a stricture.
An abscess is a collection of pus. It can lead
to symptoms of severe pain in the abdomen,
painful bowel movements, discharge of pus
from the rectum, fever, and a lump at the edge
of the anus that is swollen, red, and tender.
As with ulcerative colitis, some possible complications of Crohn’s disease occur outside the digestive tract. These include:
Arthritis
Kidney stones
Gallstones
Inflammation of the eyes and mouth
Skin rashes
Liver disease
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Medication Changes for Crohn’s Flares
Flare-ups of Crohn’s disease may indicate that
a change in medication dose, frequency, or type
is needed. Some of the medications used for
Crohn’s disease are the same as those used for
ulcerative colitis. They are aimed at controlling
inflammation and maintaining a state of remission. Drug therapy can also be used to address
symptoms of a flare. (Please call our Information
Resource Center at 888.MY.GUT.PAIN for in-depth
literature about medications.)
There are several families of medications used for
Crohn’s disease. Aminosalicylates are aspirin-like
compounds that contain 5-aminosalicylic acid
(5-ASA) and include sulfasalazine, mesalamine,
olsalazine, and balsalazide. These medications,
which can be given either orally or rectally, alter
the body’s ability to start and maintain an inflammatory process. They are effective in treating
mild-to-moderate episodes of IBD.
20
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, methylprednisone, and hydrocortisone, are also used.
Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine,
6-mercaptopurine, and methotrexate. Finally,
the newest therapies are biologics such as antitumor necrosis factor agents (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab-pegol) and anti-adhesion
molecule therapies (natalizumab).
Other drugs that may be used for Crohn’s disease include antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medications, and fluid replacement therapy.
Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®, Proquin®) and metronidazole (Flagyl®), may be used
to treat a fistula, or abscess. For short-term relief
of diarrhea, anti-diarrheal medications, such as
loperamide (Imodium®), can be helpful. Fluid replacement may be necessary if diarrhea causes
dehydration. Malnutrition may be treated with
nutritional supplements.
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Flare management
Experiencing flare-ups of your
disease can be upsetting and
confusing.
Remember that the management of your disease
is a partnership among yourself, your doctor,
your loved ones, perhaps a dietitian, and other
health care providers.
Your health care provider is monitoring your condition. Therefore, it is important to stay in close
communication with them. You should call them
any time you have questions or concerns about
symptoms or treatment.
During times of remission, you will probably visit
your doctor about every six months, and more
often during times of flare-ups. At these visits,
your doctor will make sure your medication regimen is providing the highest level of symptom
relief. He or she may also order tests to reveal
the source of any new or troubling symptoms.
During these visits, or when you communicate
with your doctor, be sure to discuss your bowel
frequency, discomfort, and other symptoms to
make sure they are being addressed.
If symptoms are mild or routine—such as occurring
after eating a food you know will cause a reaction—
you may not need to speak to your doctor urgently.
You may be able to manage the effects of the
disease through changes in diet, use of stressmanagement techniques, or with help from
friends, relatives, or a support group. Always
contact your doctor if you think a change in medication may be needed. Do not attempt to alter
medication doses or frequency of dosing on your
own, as this may lead to a worsening of symptoms.
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Special populations
Pregnancy and Flares
Women who wish to become pregnant may be
concerned about how their disease will impact
pregnancy, as well as how pregnancy will affect
their condition. Having IBD does not necessarily
affect the ability to have children. With the careful supervision of both a gastroenterologist and
obstetrician, most women with IBD can have a
healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. But there
are some important considerations, particularly
in relation to flares of Crohn’s or colitis.
Typically, the best time to become pregnant is
during a period of disease remission. Conceiving
during a flare-up is not advised. About 70 percent of women with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis who become pregnant while the
disease is in remission will remain in remission
during pregnancy. Most studies show that
women who stay in remission throughout their
pregnancy have no increased risk for pregnancyrelated complications, miscarriage, or having a
child with abnormalities.
If conception occurs during a flare-up, the disease is more likely to remain active throughout
the pregnancy. For 50 to 70 percent of women
with ulcerative colitis who become pregnant during a flare-up, the disease becomes chronically
active or becomes worse during pregnancy.
Among women with Crohn’s disease, one-third
of those who become pregnant during active
disease will achieve remission, one-third will
have chronically active disease, and one-third
will have worsening of the disease.
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In addition, if conception occurs during an active
disease phase, the risk is greater for problems
such as miscarriage, premature delivery, or having a baby with low birth weight. The risk appears to be somewhat greater for women with
Crohn’s disease than ulcerative colitis.
To maintain a state of remission and prevent
flares during pregnancy, it is important to continue taking prescribed medications. Many IBD
medications have been shown to cause minimal
risk to the pregnancy. For some IBD medications, not enough information is available about
risk during pregnancy, and at least two drugs
(methotrexate and thalidomide) should not be
taken while pregnant. It is also important to note
that sulfasalazine in men decreases sperm count
and therefore may cause infertility. A man taking
this medication should talk with his doctor about
switching to another 5-ASA therapy if planning for
a child.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is extremely important to review all medications with your physician.
Children and Flares
Understanding and coping with IBD flares is difficult for many adults, but it can be especially
problematic for children and adolescents. Parents
face a challenging task when helping their children
come to terms with their illness and adapt to a
situation that sets them apart from their peers.
The peak age of IBD onset is adolescence and
young adulthood. Adolescence is a time when
we seek to become more independent and selfsufficient. This often leads to rebelliousness. A
chronic illness like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative
colitis imposes a need for a certain amount of
dependency on family and health care providers,
and teenagers may have a tendency to resist.
They may be in denial about the disease and
may not take medications consistently.
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Children and adolescents may suffer from depression or anxiety as a result of their disease.
Emotional support from a counselor or psychologist may help to ease the burden. A support
group may be particularly helpful, especially if
teenagers can interact with other teens who
have IBD. This may help to alleviate some of the
peer-related stresses of having the disease.
Practically speaking, children and adolescents
need help from parents and health care professionals to understand how to manage flare-ups
of their condition. It is also important to advise
teachers and the school nurse about the disease, to ensure the child has adequate bathroom access, and that authorities are prepared
to deal with issues that arise.
The same IBD medications that are used to
maintain remission and manage flares in adults
are used in children. But some of these medications have special considerations when taken by
children, mostly related to potential side effects.
For example, prednisone can cause physically
and emotionally disturbing side effects in children, including acne, puffy faces, weight gain,
and growth impairment. These can usually be
minimized by discussing with the doctor a reduction in the dose of the medication.
Special consideration must be given to younger
children who are unable to swallow tablets or
capsules. Although a commercially available
form of liquid sulfasalazine is no longer available,
many pharmacies will formulate one if requested.
Additionally, capsules may be opened and the
contents placed in yogurt, peanut butter, or other
appropriate food.
Discuss all medications prescribed for your
child, including possible side effects, with your
child’s physician and other health care providers.
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Questions for your
doctor
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are complex conditions. At the time of a flare,
you may be overwhelmed and
forget to ask critical questions
of your doctor. To help you to
get the most of this interaction,
CCFA has compiled a list of
questions you might want to ask
at the time of a flare:
Could any condition other than my disease
be causing my symptoms?
What tests do I need to take to get to the root
of my symptoms?
How often should I get these tests done?
Should it be during the time of a flare-up
or on a routine basis?
What parts of my digestive system
are affected?
How will we know if my medication needs
to be adjusted?
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What is an estimated period of time that
I should see some results, or be cautioned
that it may not be the right medication
for my case?
What are the side-effects of the medication?
What should I do if I notice them?
What should I do if the symptoms return? What
symptoms are considered an emergency?
If I cannot see you right away, are there any
over-the-counter medication options that can
assist with my prescribed medication? If so,
which ones?
Should I change my diet or take nutritional
supplements? If so, can you recommend
a dietitian or any specific nutritional
supplements?
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Do I need to make any other lifestyle
changes?
When should I come back for a follow-up
appointment?
What symptoms or degree of symptoms
would show that I should schedule an
appointment with you sooner?
What should I do if I experience pain,
bleeding, or other issues?
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Take care to prevent
flares
You can’t completely prevent
flare-ups of ulcerative colitis
or Crohn’s disease. But you
may be able to reduce the
number or severity of flares
and lengthen the time spent
in remission by adopting
some healthy habits.
Take all IBD medications regularly, as directed
by your doctor.
Eat a well-balanced diet. There is no universal
diet for all people with IBD, because each person
will have unique needs. Nevertheless, proper
nutrition is an essential part of staying healthy
and minimizing the effects of the diseases.
Everyone with IBD will benefit from a diet that
provides the recommended number of calories
and contains essential vitamins, minerals,
and other nutrients. At the same time, you
should avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
Because dietary issues differ from person to
person, you may want to get individualized
help and instruction from a registered dietitian.
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Because ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
can impair the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, consider
taking a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement.
As always, be sure you consult your doctor
about which are recommended (and safe) for
you to take.
A regular exercise routine can improve overall
health, and may be particularly beneficial for
people with IBD. Engaging in regular physical
activity can reduce stress and maintain and
improve bone strength. Some research has
also shown that it relieves depression and
boosts the body’s immune system response.
If having IBD limits the amount and intensity
of exercise you can undertake, keep in mind
that even low-intensity activities, like taking
a 30-minute walk three times a week, can produce results. Talk to your doctor to determine
an exercise program that works for you. If
your symptoms make mobility difficult, find
ways to be active at home.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is harmful for
many reasons, and it can worsen symptoms of
IBD. Quitting smoking has been suspected of
triggering the onset of ulcerative colitis or a
flare in certain cases. However, with the multiple choices in medications, continued smoking is not usually recommended. The benefits
of quitting smoking likely outweigh any potential colitis-related risks.
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Stress is a common trigger for symptom flareups. Of course, avoiding all stress is impossible. In fact, focusing too heavily on stress can
cause an anxiety response which has a tendency to aggravate symptoms, and cause
even more stress.
Stress reduction techniques can help you to
stay calm, maintain perspective, and break
this anxiety cycle. There are numerous stressmanagement techniques, and no one method
has been proven to be more effective than another for everyone. Each person needs to find
their own healthy balance. Try an approach
that appeals to you; if that doesn’t work, don’t
despair. Try another. Here are some techniques for managing stress:
Biofeedback
Relaxation and breathing exercises
Practicing yoga or tai chi
Hypnotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Meditation
Books, recordings, guided imagery, etc.
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36
Managing symptom
discomfort
To reduce anal irritation, use a moist towelette
or wipe instead of bathroom tissue.
Practice good anal hygiene by showering with
a hand shower or using a perianal cleansing
product (Balneol®).
Apply an all-purpose skin protectorant (Vitamin A&D® ointment, Desitin®) at night to
relieve irritation of the skin around the anus.
For anal soreness or painful bowel movements due to an anal fissure or fistula,
bathe your buttocks in warm salt water.
To help manage diarrhea, anti-diarrheal medications, such as Imodium® or large amounts
of Pepto-Bismol®, may be effective. Never take
any of these drugs without consulting your
health care provider.
For joint-related discomfort, doctors may
recommend resting the affected joint as well
as the occasional use of moist heat. Rangeof-motion exercises, as demonstrated by
a physical therapist, may also be helpful.
To reduce the irritation of small mouth ulcers
(also known as canker sores), medicinal
mouth washes may be helpful, along with
a balanced diet and a multi-vitamin/mineral
supplement.
To help manage the symptoms of pain,
experts state acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may
be the safest option for IBD patients. Consult
with your health care provider about the
appropriate pain management options.
Remember to take care of yourself. Get plenty
of sleep, eat well, and take time to recharge
and reduce stress when you need it.
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38
Coping with flares
There is no escaping the reality
that having Crohn’s disease or
ulcerative colitis requires coping strategies. Having a chronic
disease that affects bowel
function can impact many
areas of your life beyond the
practical symptomatic issues.
Difficulties may arise in your personal relationships, work, ability to travel, or sense of independence. It is not uncommon to develop strong
emotions about the disease. You may be angry,
fearful, or uncertain. You may wonder how your
body can betray you by making you lose control
over such a basic function as bowel movement.
You may feel embarrassment, or become apprehensive about leaving home.
While it is possible to go about your normal daily
life with IBD, especially during times of remission,
the disease is ever present. You’ll need to find
ways to handle the symptoms when the disease
flares up. You’ll also need to deal with your feelings about it. And you will need to be attentive
to your body’s needs—even during remission.
39
It is important not to let the fear of embarrassment (like having diarrhea at inconvenient
times) overtake your life. You may be inclined to
stay home rather than risk an “accident” in public. But there are some practical steps you can
take to ease your mind.
Put together an emergency kit. This might
include spare underwear and an extra pair of
pants, a packet of baby wipes, toilet tissue,
panty liners, and deodorizer. Even if you never
need to use these supplies, just knowing they
are there in case of an emergency may free
your mind and allow you to engage more fully
in life.
Obtain a “Can’t Wait” card from CCFA. If you
find yourself in a situation where there is no
public rest room, you can use this card, available with CCFA membership, to gain access
to any available bathroom, such as the staff
toilet in a store. To become a CCFA member,
call 800.932.2423.
When you leave home, plan your itinerary in
advance and learn where the rest rooms are
located in restaurants, shopping areas, and
on public transportation. Knowing where the
bathrooms are can ease anxiety and reduce
stress. The Information Resource Center
at CCFA has resources to help locate public
bathrooms throughout the U.S., as well as
countries abroad.
Be sure a trusted friend or co-worker is aware
of your issues and can be called upon for help
in case of a difficult or embarrassing situation.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease may be more
active at certain times of the day. For example,
you may find that you need to stay close to
a bathroom after getting up in the morning,
or in the evening after eating. Knowing when
your symptoms are likely to occur can help
you to organize your daily routines to accommodate your bathroom needs.
40
Fatigue can be another symptom of a flare.
It may be manageable or it may be debilitating.
Those who suffer from severe fatigue will
need to find ways to manage their energy. For
example, know your limitations and take naps
when needed. If you must attend a function,
set aside time before or after the event to
rest. Your doctor may recommend specific vitamins to help with energy. Each person who
experiences IBD-related fatigue will need to
develop their own strategies for managing
their energy to accomplish daily tasks.
Create a support network of people who can
be called upon to help out during difficult
times. These people should understand the
occasionally serious nature of your disease
and be ready to take you to the hospital or
doctor if necessary. They may also be called
upon to take care of tasks you are temporarily
unable to handle, such as child care, grocery
shopping, and others.
Speak with your employer about the Family
Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in the event you
need to take unpaid medical leave from work.
Ensure educational equity by securing reasonable accommodation as needed for
elementary, secondary, and post-secondary
school students.
Although it may be difficult and even embarrassing to talk about a health condition that causes
diarrhea, consider discussing your illness with
your friends and possibly your work colleagues
or boss. How open you want to be and how
much you want to explain is a personal decision.
But some sort of disclosure may make life easier, especially during times when your disease
flares up. If you must cancel social engagements, your friends are less likely to feel insulted if they understand what’s happening.
If they know why you keep running to the bathroom, you don’t have to feel embarrassed.
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Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can take a
toll, both physically and emotionally, and you
will need to attend to both. The emotional needs
surrounding a chronic illness differ from person
to person. Most people find it helpful to have
support from people they are close to. Support
from people who share the same disease, or
possibly from a mental health professional, may
also be of help.
Support groups can be especially helpful. Probably the best help, advice, and understanding will
come from interacting with people who know
what you are going through from personal experience. Peers with IBD can also be a great source
of information. Local chapters of CCFA offer support groups as well as informational meetings.
To locate your local chapter, go online to
www.ccfa.org/chapters or call the Information
Resource Center at CCFA.
CCFA also has a free online community where
you can share your story with others and participate in discussion boards. You can join the community at www.ccfacommunity.org.
Kids and teens can find specialized online information and support at www.UCandCrohns.org.
Your doctor or dietitian may also point you in the
direction of support groups or local resources.
If the burden of the disease overwhelms you
emotionally, consider consulting with a social
worker or psychologist. Depression is not uncommon among people with any chronic illness,
including IBD. A mental health professional can
help you to gain perspective and feel like you
can regain control over your life.
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Flare tracker
Improving Quality of Life:
CCFA has established a range of educational
brochures, fact sheets, and helpful tools, such
as the enclosed Flare Tracker, and other programs
designed to increase awareness about these
digestive diseases. We know living with Crohn’s
or colitis can be difficult, but the right resources
and support can make day-to-day living more
tolerable. That’s why CCFA has developed
a comprehensive, free online community
(www.ccfacommunity.org) to provide the support
individuals need in managing their condition.
We recognize the importance of distributing unbiased, accurate, and authoritative information
in order to provide education of the finest quality.
One avenue used to accomplish this is the Information Resource Center (IRC). Through a toll-free
number (1-888-MY-GUT-PAIN), e-mail, or live
chat on our Web site (www.ccfa.org), professionals
are trained to answer questions and direct people to resources important to their quality of life.
43
Flare Symptoms Tracker
Flare tracker
Improving Quality of Life:
CCFA has established a range of educational
brochures, fact sheets, and helpful tools, such
as the enclosed Flare Tracker, and other programs
designed to increase awareness about these
digestive diseases. We know living with Crohn’s
or colitis can be difficult, but the right resources
and support can make day-to-day living more
tolerable. That’s why CCFA has developed
a comprehensive, free online community
(www.ccfacommunity.org) to provide the support
individuals need in managing their condition.
We recognize the importance of distributing unbiased, accurate, and authoritative information
in order to provide education of the finest quality.
One avenue used to accomplish this is the Information Resource Center (IRC). Through a toll-free
number (1-888-MY-GUT-PAIN), e-mail, or live
chat on our Web site (www.ccfa.org), professionals
are trained to answer questions and direct people to resources important to their quality of life.
This log has been created to help you keep track of your symptoms and the level of severity on a daily basis. Fill out the chart below and bring the completed
charts to your next doctor’s visit. You may want to make extra copies for future use. It is also recommended to have this tracker available for emergency hospital
visits. Provided is a sample flare tracker and a blank flare tracker for your records. Please note we have provided general guidelines in the sample, it will be utilized differently according to the individual.
Date
01/01/09
Symptom(s)/General Well-being
Description
Level of
Intensity*
Report to Doc or Nurse?
(Action for Each Flare)
Stomach Pain
1=None at all; 10=Extreme
Cramping on the left side.
5
Left a message with the nurse.
Diarrhea
1=None at all; 10=Extreme
Loose, watery, mucous involved;
occurs after each meal.
7
Visited the doctor; he/she increased my
medication dosage.
Bowel Movements
(number of bowel movements)
Two bowel movements with blood or
six bowel movements without blood.
8
Fatigue Level
1=None at all; 10=Extreme
Extremely tired all day.
9
Stress Level
1=None at all; 10=Extreme
Stressed about upcoming exam.
9
Other Symptom(s)
Other Symptom(s)
Other Symptom(s)
Other Symptom(s)
SAMPLE
*Please refer to the scales provided in the Symptom(s)/General Well-Being column.
2
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Flare Symptoms Tracker
Date
Symptom(s)/General Well-being
Description
Notes:
Level of
Intensity*
Report to Doc or Nurse?
(Action for Each Flare)
Having a chronic illness often
means living with these
nagging concerns lurking just
under the surface of everyday
thoughts:
Will my condition flare up?
What can I do when it does?
How will I cope?
These concerns are very common for people with
ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Even with
medical treatment, a person with one of these
inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is likely to
experience periods of time when symptoms
become active (a flare).
If you’re reading this brochure, you or a loved one
probably has either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s
disease. You likely already have general knowledge about the disease. You know the symptoms
and treatment options and understand the
importance of maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and taking your medication as prescribed. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of
America (CCFA) has several brochures to help
you understand what is known about IBD.
For the vast majority of patients, IBD is a lifelong
illness. While you can and should go about your
normal daily life, you will need to make certain
adjustments to cope with a disease that can flare
up at times. This brochure will help you to
manage your life with a disease that can at times
be painful, uncomfortable, inconvenient, or
embarrassing.
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1
Notes:
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You Can Help
Founded in 1967, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
of America (CCFA) is a non-profit,volunteer-driven
organization dedicated to finding a cure for
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Today, the
organization has grown to 40 local chapters,
with more than $136 million raised and invested
in research for a cure and improved treatments.
This funding has enabled many ground breaking
treatments, improved the quality of care for individuals with these conditions, and brought hope
to countless lives. But there’s still plenty of work
left to do.
To learn how you can help,
please contact us at:
800.932.2423 or
[email protected]
This brochure is supported by an unrestricted educational
grant from Alaven Pharmaceutical, LLC.
National Office
386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016-8804
212.685.3440
www.ccfa.org
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a nonprofit organization
that relies on the generosity of private contributions to advance its mission to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
4/09